Paris is a city of timeless elegance, where grand boulevards and hidden alleyways reveal layers of history, art, and romance. From the bohemian heights of Montmartre to the chic terraces of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the city is a living masterpiece.
Getting Around
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts) and is exceptionally well-served by the Metro and RER commuter trains.
Navigo Easy
Avoid paper tickets, which demagnetize easily. Download the Bonjour RATP app to buy and load a “Navigo Easy” pass directly onto your phone for easy “tap-and-go” entry at Metro gates.
The String & Bracelet Scams
In high-traffic areas like Sacré-Cœur and the Eiffel Tower, be wary of scammers trying to tie “friendship” strings around your wrist or handing you “free” roses. Keep walking and maintain a firm “Non, merci.”
- Use Citymapper for the most intuitive step-by-step navigation, including “best carriage” guidance and precise station exit details.
- Use Bonjour RATP specifically for purchasing and topping up digital Navigo passes directly on your phone.
- G7 is the most reliable app in Paris, offering professional drivers who can use bus lanes, often shaving 20 minutes off trips during traffic.
- Uber and Bolt are available but use standard pricing and cannot use bus lanes.
Where to Stay
For a classic Parisian experience, Le Marais offers historic architecture and a vibrant Jewish Quarter. If you prefer a more literary and intellectual vibe, the Latin Quarter or Saint-Germain-des-Prés are ideal. For stunning views and a village feel, look towards Montmartre.
The Single Digit Rule
If it’s your first time, try to stay in an arrondissement with a single digit (1st–9th). These are the most central and walkable districts, keeping you close to the major landmarks.
Find a place in Le Marais
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Things to Do
Artistic Pilgrimage
The Louvre is essential for seeing the Mona Lisa, but the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station, contains the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces.
Mastering the Louvre
Avoid the massive queues at the main Glass Pyramid by using the underground Carrousel du Louvre entrance at 99 Rue de Rivoli. Tickets are strictly timed and sell out fast; book your slot at least 1–2 weeks in advance to guarantee entry.
Iconic Views
While climbing the Eiffel Tower is a rite of passage, the view of the tower from the top of the Arc de Triomphe or the Sacré-Cœur steps is often considered more breathtaking.
Parisian Street Smarts
Be vigilant against pickpockets on the Metro and in crowded areas like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Ignore “petition” signers or people offering “free” gold rings—these are common distractions used by scammers to target your bags or wallet.
Book Your Bistros
The best neighborhood bistros are small and fill up fast. Use the TheFork app to book tables 24–48 hours in advance to ensure you get a seat at the most authentic spots.
Explore activities in Paris
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Money & Shops
Paris is almost entirely cashless in 2026, but some small Boulangeries or Tabacs still enforce a €5 or €10 minimum for card payments. For groceries, Monoprix, Franprix, and Carrefour City are ubiquitous and 100% credit-card friendly.
Decline the Conversion
When a card terminal asks if you want to pay in your “Home Currency” or “Euros,” always choose Euros. Choosing your home currency triggers “Dynamic Currency Conversion” (DCC), which adds a hidden 3–7% markup to the exchange rate.
Most shops outside of designated international tourist zones (like Le Marais or the Champs-Élysées) close on Sundays. If you need a mall on a Sunday, head to Westfield Forum des Halles or Beaugrenelle.
Pit Stops
Public restrooms in Paris are famously hit-or-miss. Look for the grey, self-cleaning Sanisettes on street corners—they have been free since 2006. For a cleaner experience, head to department stores like Galeries Lafayette or Printemps, though some may charge a small fee.
Tap water in Paris is excellent and safe. You can refill bottles at the iconic dark green Wallace Fountains scattered throughout the city. In 2026, many of these also offer sparkling water (eau pétillante) for free.
Free River Transit
While not a full transit replacement, the Voguéo river shuttles are often included in standard Navigo passes, offering a scenic way to move between the eastern suburbs and the city center for the price of a metro ticket.
Local Ways
The most important social rule in Paris is the “Bonjour” rule. Always say “Bonjour” (or “Bonsoir” after 6 PM) when entering a shop, cafe, or even when stepping into a taxi. Failing to do so is considered a major snub and will result in noticeably colder service.
Lunch is strictly 12:00–14:00, and dinner rarely starts before 19:30. If you are hungry at 17:00, you will likely be limited to “Service Continu” tourist traps or cafes serving only drinks and snacks.
Tipping Decoded
Tipping is not mandatory because a 15% service charge is legally included in your bill (service compris). However, it is standard to leave the “small change” or round up by €1–€2 for a coffee, and €5 for a nice dinner if the service was exceptional.
Health & Help
In Paris, a Pharmacie (marked by a bright green neon cross) is where you get medication and professional health advice. A Parapharmacie sells high-end skincare and toiletries but cannot dispense prescription drugs.
For late-night needs, look for a Pharmacie de Garde (on-call pharmacy). The most central 24/7 locations are:
- Pharmacie de la Rive Gauche (6th Arrondissement, near Blvd Saint-Germain)
- Pharmacie des Champs-Élysées (8th Arrondissement)
Sunday Medicine
If your local pharmacy is closed on a Sunday, check the list posted on their front window; by law, they must display the address of the nearest open “on-call” pharmacy.
Emergency phone number
In the event of an emergency in France, dial 112. This universal number connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services with English-speaking operators available.
Safety & Accessibility
Paris is generally safe, but pickpockets are highly active in the Metro Line 1, Gare du Nord, and around the Eiffel Tower. Keep your phone out of sight and never put your wallet in your back pocket.
Mobility can be a challenge. The Paris Metro is notoriously inaccessible, with hundreds of stairs and very few elevators. Metro Line 14 is the only line that is 100% accessible. For those with mobility issues, the bus system is a much better alternative as all Paris buses are equipped with ramps.
Helpful English Resources:
- Paris.fr Accessibility Guide: The official city guide for visitors with disabilities.
- SNCF Assist’enGare: A dedicated service for booking assistance at Parisian train stations.
- J’accède: A community-driven app that rates the accessibility of specific restaurants, shops, and venues across Paris.